Collapsible Grain Chute

ABSTRACT

A generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute removably affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application is a Divisional of, and claims priority to under35 U.S.C. §120, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/855,266,filed on May 27, 2004, entitled, “Collapsible Grain Chute” and havingTravis Harnetiaux as the Inventor. The full disclosure of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/855,266 is hereby fully incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, the instant invention relates to an agricultural seedplanter, and more particularly to a grain chute for attachment the bulkseed assembly distributor of a seed planter to improve the cleanoutprocess when either changing the variety of seed being planted or priorto seasonal storage of the unit.

By and large, modern agricultural seed planters employ a plurality rowdispensing bins, each of which has an associated metering device forapplying preselected quantities of the seed to the land. Theseindividual bins generally have limited storage capacity, for example oneto three bushels, and therefore require frequent refilling. To avoid thelost time and excess fuel usage associated with frequent refilling,apparatus was developed using a central bulk supply of seed carried bythe frame of the planter so that the dispensing bins can be resuppliedwith seed during operation in the field. A seed distribution system inwhich grain is conveyed from a main hopper can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.5,161,473. This system utilizes a single main hopper which dispensesseed to a plurality of individual or mini-hoppers that each, in turn,supply seed to an individual row planting mechanism. The seed is fedfrom the main hopper into each mini-hopper by entraining it in an airstream contained in separate, individual transfer hoses that areconnected between the main tank and each of the individual mini-hoppers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,706 illustrates another seed planting system thatalso utilizes a central storage hopper for supplying a plurality ofsmaller, satellite hoppers via a plurality of individual hoses or tubesrunning from the central hopper to each of the individual satellite, rowhoppers. Thus, while the systems of the '473 and '706 patents providefor the maintenance of seed supply quantities in the row hoppers duringseeding operations, they also require the incorporation of a largenumber of separate seed transport tubes in those systems where multiple,mini-hoppers are present.

The '473 and '706 patents are merely illustrative of the general type ofseeder relevant to the instant invention. There are many improvements oralternative arrangements available today on the market, but all “airseeders” generally work on the same or similar principles. A bulkstorage bin, supported by the planter frame, feeds seed via gravity intoa manifold-like distributor, located below the storage bin, where theseeds are air pushed into a multiplicity of outlets through individualhoses to the satellite hoppers. In some instances, more than one bulkstorage bin, most often two, is used, each feeding a separate portion orsection of the mini-hoppers.

Some difficulties and shortcomings have been identified in the fieldoperation of systems such as described above, particularly when the bulkstorage bins are to be emptied for end of the season storage or whenmaking a change in the type or variety of seed being planted. Tocompletely empty the bulk storage bin the operator must either removethe distributor or the bottom enclosure cover thereof and catch theextra grain in a sack or sacks. This is a somewhat difficult task inthat the sack may become full, requiring quick replacement, or may havean inadequately small opening, allowing seed to miss the sack and falldirectly on the ground.

It would be quite advantageous to have a means for fully andconveniently emptying the bulk bins of a seed planter without losingexpensive seed or creating an over planted area in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention to provide anattachment to the bulk seed distributor of a seed planter that greatlyimproves the ability to effectively and efficiently empty the bulk seedbin.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide a grain chutefor the bulk seed distributor of a seed planter that ensures effectiveand efficient elimination of seed materials from the bulk seed bin.

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a collapsiblegrain chute for the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural seedplanter that promotes the effective and efficient emptying of the bulkseed bin of the planter.

It is a still further object of the instant invention to provide acollapsible grain chute with a conical shape that affixes to the bulkseed distributor of an agricultural seed planter to provide effectiveand efficient emptying of the bulk seed bin of the planter.

It is an even still further object of the instant invention to provide acollapsible grain chute, made of a flexible cloth-like material, thataffixes to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural seed planter toprovide effective and efficient emptying, via gravity, of the bulk seedbin of the planter.

It is another objected of the instant invention to provide a generallyconically-shaped collapsible grain chute, with a cinch cord toselectively close the chute; the chute affixes to the bulk seeddistributor of an agricultural seed planter to provide effective andefficient empting of the bulk seed bin of the planter.

These and other objects are obtained by providing a generallyconically-shaped collapsible grain chute affixed to the bulk seeddistributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective andefficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute mayinclude a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to controlthe flow of seed therethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration ofthe following detailed disclosure of the invention, especially whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an agricultural planter of thegeneral type with which the instant invention may be used, showing,among other things, a pair of bulk seed bins and a plurality ofsatellite hoppers being fed therefrom;

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the planter of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a left end view of a bulk seed distributor with thecollapsible chute of the instant invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective, partially exploded, view of a suitabledistributor in combination with the collapsible chute of the instantinvention; and

FIG. 4 is a front perspective, partially exploded, view of thedistributor/chute combination of the FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means andcomponents utilized in this invention are widely known and used in thefield of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is notnecessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a personskilled in the art, and they will not therefore be discussed insignificant detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms “left” or“right” are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined bystanding at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction oftravel. Furthermore, the various components shown or described hereinfor any specific application of this invention can be varied or alteredas anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specificapplication of any element may already by widely known or used in theart by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not thereforebe discussed in significant detail.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a pneumatic seed planting system (also known as an“air seeder”) as it would be used in conjunction with the invention asdescribed below. Reference numeral 10 indicates an agricultural planterwhich may be connected to a prime mover, such as a tractor, fortransport through a field. The planter or seeder 10 is shown as havingtwo bulk storage bins 12 and a plurality of individual distribution orrow metering hoppers 13 that receive seed from the storage bins 12 bymeans of a distribution system indicated generally by the numeral 15.Generally speaking, storage bins 12 could have capacities ranging from50 to about 340 bushels while the individual row hoppers wouldcharacteristically range from about one quart to three bushels incapacity. Each of the row metering bins 13 will have an associated seedmetering device that applies the seed to the soil in a manner well-knownin the industry. Each seed transport hose 18 is connected to supply seedto individual row hoppers. The ability of the system to supply seed to acomparatively large member of row hoppers is facilitated by the designof a single seed transport duct that is connected to a hopper 12 at oneend and which extends from there outwardly over a series of row bins.The delivery system includes a source of air, such as blower, that isconnected by air supply tubes to the bottom of storage bins 12. Airentering into the bin 12 picks up seeds and pneumatically transportsthem through hoses 18 into the inlet ends of a manifold supply hose. Theplanter can be of substantially any conventional design andconfiguration. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict the Case 1200 Series Advanced SeedPlanter.

FIG. 2 is an end view of an exemplary bulk seed distributor 30 attachedto bulk storage bin 12. The attachment location between these twocomponents will normally be at the lowest point of bin 12 relative tothe ground so that seeds in bin 12 will be encouraged to flow into thedistributor by the force of gravity. Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4,the distributor 30 can be seen to comprise, basically, a box-likeenclosure with a top opening 32 in flow communication with storage bin12 and an opposing bottom opening 34. During operation of the planter,opening 34 is normally closed by a generally flat plate (not shown)affixed in to the main generally rectangular body portion 36 ofdistributor 30. However, when the planter is to be cleaned or emptied ofseed, the flat plate is removed and the collapsible chute 60 is attachedto generally fully encompass opening 32.

Distributor 30 further includes an opening 38 in the forward wall forthe insertion of pressurized air to assist in movement of seeds throughthe system. The wall opposite opening 38 is a manifold-like series ofoutlet connectors 40 to which hoses 42 are connected for distribution torow metering hoppers 13. Distributor 30 is affixed to bin 12 via flange44 which mates with a matching flange 46 on bin 12 by bolts or othersuitable mechanical mechanisms.

Collapsible chute 60 is comprised of a main body 62 that is generallyshaped like a hollow truncated funnel terminating at the top end in alarge inlet opening 64 generally the same shape and size of bottomopening 32 of distributor 30, and terminating at the bottom end in asmaller opening 66. Opening 66 may include a hem 68 with a cinch chord70 (FIG. 2) therein to permit the opening 66 to be selectively closed.The main body 62 may be made of any flexible material with sufficientdurability to withstand the conditions under which it must operate. Forexample, main body 62 may be made of canvas, nylon or other syntheticmaterials. As seen best in FIGS. 2-4, an elongated plate 72 is affixedto one end of main body 62, as by rivets through holes 74 and extendsbeyond the associated edge of main body 62. Plate 72 has a horizontaltop-opening slot 76 therein and a protruding catch 78. A retainingmember 80, affixed to main body 62 and protruding away therefrom issized to allow slot 76 to slide over member 80 and moved into positionto hold plate 72 in the operating location. An over-the-center latch 82engages catch 78 to lock chute 60 into engagement with distributor 30.The opposing end of the chute 60 and distributor 30 are duplicates ofthe corresponding ends just described, but are not shown. Other latchesand/or slot arrangements can be used effectively so long as one end ofthe chute can be generally fixed in position relative to the bottomopening 32 in distributor 30 and the opposing end pivoted and lockedinto operating position. Also, a cinch chord or a friction fit could beused to hold the chute in position. The location below the distributorin which the chute is maintained in operation is usually quite confined,so the pivot/locking arrangement is a significant practical feature. Insome configurations, the bottom opening 32 may be centered axially withthe inlet opening 64 of main body 62, i.e., it is axially symmetrical.In other situations, because of interference with other components inthe general area, the bottom opening is offset, as shown in FIG. 2.

In operation, when it is necessary to empty the bulk storage bin 12, thebottom plate of distributor 30 is removed and the collapsible chute 60is attached over the opening. The operator, by controlling the flow byopening and closing opening 66, allows the remaining seeds to flow intosacks or bags for later use or storage. When bin 12 is empty, the chute60 is replaced by the bottom plate, and then put away in a storage boxon the planter or tractor. Being flexible and not having a full rigidframe around the top end, the chute may be collapsed into a relativelysmall flat package, making storage more convenient and efficient.

It will be understood that changes in the details, materials, steps andarrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated toexplain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made bythose skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within theprinciples and scope of the invention. The foregoing descriptionillustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however,concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in otherembodiments without departing from the scope of the inventions.Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the inventionbroadly as well as in the specific form shown.

1. An agricultural air seeder, comprising: a wheel-supported frameadapted to be pulled across a field by a prime mover; a plurality of rowplanting units supported by said frame transversely to the direction oftravel of the prime mover; at least one bulk seed storage bin supportedon said frame; an air seed distribution system for distributing seedfrom said storage bin to said row planting units, said distributionsystem including a generally box-like distributor having a top openingand an opposing bottom opening, said top opening in free seed flowcommunication with said bin; a grain chute attached to said distributor,said chute comprised of a flexible truncated funnel-shaped body with agenerally rectangular end attached to said distributor, enclosing anopen bottom, and a spaced-apart smaller outlet; and said outlet isselectively changeable between open and closed positions.
 2. The airseeder of claim 1, wherein: said flexible truncated funnel-shaped bodyis comprised of canvas.
 3. The air seeder of claim 1, wherein: saidflexible truncated funnel-shaped body is comprised of nylon.